Maths Invaders

Minimum System I

Requirements for the PC:

Pentium 100MHz processor
Win 95 or 98/16Mb RAM
Double-speed CD-ROM drive
256 colour SVGA display
16-bit Microsoft® Windows®
compatible sound card (e.g.
SoundBlaster) and speakers
Mouse

CONTENTS

Technical Support
Story

What You Will Learn
System Requirements
Setting Up

Selecting Game Play Options

Player Options

Screen Description

Navigation

Controls

Combat

Shooting

Opening Doors

Maths Questions

Teleporting to the Next Level

Picking Up Weapons & Items

Weapons

Keys

Levels

Save, Restore, Escape, Quit
Winning a Game
Credits

Maths Invaders is a true state-of-the-art space
adventure that builds maths knowledge and
research skills in a cool interactive 3-D world.
Complete with an arsenal of human and alien
weapons necessary to battle the evil
Geometroids, Maths Invaders offers 27
thrilling levels of exploration and creature
combat. And Maths Invaders provides
maximum replayability thanks to the random
level selector which creates a different and
unique nine-level game every time you play.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you are experiencing problems with this
product, please call our technical support line
on 020 7291 8280. For more information
about any of our titles, why not visit our
web site at: www.marshallmedia.com

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STORY

Time: The Distant Future

Report: Our exploration vessel, the S.S. Pythagoras, recently discovered a new planet, Metrion,
and dispatched a survey drone to chart the surface. En route, the drone stumbled across a space
station launched by the evil Dodecus and his minions, the Geometroids. Before the Geometroids
destroyed the drone, it managed to radio a warning back to the crew. Alas, it was too late for the
ship to escape. The Geometroids manned a stunning attack and captured the S.S. Pythagoras. As
the situation stands now, they have disabled the ship and taken away the crew.

Mission: You, our esteemed Security Chief, have managed to hide from the raiding Geometroids
in the air duct near the ship’s bridge. Now it’s up to you and the ship’s computer, Calculus, to
repair the S.S. Pythagoras, rescue the crew, and get safely back to earth. It’s a critical mission and
you are our last hope. We believe you have both the skill and brains it will take to defeat the
Geometroids. Good luck and remember - we’re counting on you!

Your mission as Security Chief is of the utmost importance. Along the way, you’ll be busy picking
up items and weapons needed to defeat the enemy. A critical part of your mission is to help
Calculus, the ship’s computer, solve maths problems. However, the damage the Geometroids
caused to the S.S. Pythagoras was severe. The attack on the ship blew out all of Calculus’ maths
circuits. Your mathematical skills are key in getting the S.S. Pythagoras going again. Don’t worry
there are helpful hints if you get stuck. But to assure total victory, you must combine quick
action with the maths knowledge you gain at school.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Maths Skills

So, when your parents ask why you’re spending so much time shooting aliens, tell them you’re
using mathematics (solving maths problems for the ship’s computer), getting lots of practice on a
calculator (built directly into the maths question window) and honing your hand-eye coordination
(as you move through the S.S. Pythagoras and fire your weapons at enemies). Then, turn back to
your monitor and zap those Geometroids to smithereens.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

In order to complete your mission, you will need a computer with the following capabilities:
Pentium 100MHz processor Win 95 or 98/16Mb RAM

Double-speed CD-ROM drive 256 colour SVGA display

16-bit Microsoft® Windows® compatible Mouse

sound card (e.g. SoundBlaster) and speakers

SETTING UP

Autoplay:

1. Place the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.

2. A window will appear prompting you to install the game.

3. Follow the simple instructions by answering “Continue”, “OK” or “Yes” until installation is
complete.

4. The Maths Invaders window will appear with three icons (The Math Invaders, Readme, and
Uninstall). Double-click on the “Math Invaders” icon to begin the Maths Invaders program.

To install the game through Windows® Explorer:

1. Place the CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive.

2. Open Windows® Explorer, go to the root directory of your CD-ROM drive, and
double-click on the Setup.exe program.

3. On the Setup window, click the “Install” button to install the necessary game components.

4. After this, you may be asked to reboot your system. After rebooting, go to Start and select
Maths Invaders from the Programs Menu.

5. Double-click on the Mathlnvaders.exe program to start the game.

Remember, this game runs on Windows® 95 or 98 only.

SELECTING GAME
PLAY OPTIONS

At the start of the game, Calculus, the
ship’s computer, will brief you on the
Geometroid attack on the S.S. Pythagoras.
Once you receive your mission, you’ll see
a menu of game options.

This menu has five icons.

NEW GAME

Clicking on this option starts a new game
and will bring you to the Player Options
screen.

RESTORE GAME

Clicking on this option will restore a
game you have saved.

CONTINUE GAME

Clicking on this option will continue a
game that you escaped from as long as
you have not fully exited the program.

INTRODUCTION

Clicking on this option will replay
Calculus’ introduction.

QUIT GAME

Clicking on this option will exit the game
and take you back to the Windows® menu.

PLAYER OPTIONS

Signing In

When you begin a new game, the Player Options
screen will appear. Since the S.S. Pythagoras’
computer. Calculus, was damaged in the raid, your
photo ID has been lost. You can select one of six
characters to represent you by clicking on die
Player Portrait in the box on the left. Choose the
one you like the most and enter your name below
the portrait.

Fighting Skills

Since all personnel files have been lost, you must
indicate your experience in combat by clicking on
either “Rookie” (the easiest level with the least
dangerous Geometroids), “Veteran” (a middle level
of moderately dangerous Geometroids), or
“Commander” (the most difficult level with die
most dangerous Geometroids). If you don’t choose
a level of difficulty, you will start with “Veteran”.

Maths Skills

You must also choose a level of maths skills. Level
1 translates into Year 4 maths skills. Level 2—Year
5. Level 3—Year 6. Level 4—Year 7. Pick one and
you are now ready to begin your mission by
clicking on “Start Game.” If you don’t pick a level
of maths skills, you will start on Level 3—Year 6.

Mission Briefing

After starting a game, Calculus will randomly select
a mission for you. You cannot advance to another
level until you complete this mission. Following
this briefing, you will begin the game itself.

K

SCREEN DESCRIPTIONS

The Action Window

The Action Window gives you a 3-D view of the game world. The size of the window can be
adjusted: press F2 on the keyboard to reduce the size of the screen, or F3 to enlarge the size of
the screen. A smaller Action Window will increase the speed on a less powerful computer.

Score

The Score appears below the Player Portrait. You earn points by picking up weapons, finding
items and keys, and completing the assigned mission of each level.

Health Meter

The red bar in the Action Window is your Health Meter, which shows how strong you are. At the
beginning of a game, your health is 100%. Each hit from an enemy reduces your strength. When
your Health Meter drops to zero, you are automatically captured by the Geometroids. As you
move through the S.S. Pythagoras, pick up Energy Tablets, “Restoral” Crystals and Medil-cits.

They will improve your health.

Shield Bar

The green bar in the Action Window is the Shield Bar, which indicates how much power is
remaining in your spacesuit’s force shield. The shield protects you from some of the damage from
enemy weapons. As you explore the S.S. Pythagoras, look for Energy Belts which will add power
to the Shield Bar.

Weapon Slot

The weapon you are using appears in the Weapon Slot of the game window. There are seven
weapons in all. If you collect more than one, you can select a weapon by pressing the
appropriate key 1-7 on your keyboard. The small number appearing in the Weapon Slot shows
the amount of ammunition that weapon has remaining. Some weapons have unlimited ammo,
which is indicated by the infinity symbol in the corner of the weapon slot.

ACTION WINDOW

(press the Tab key on
the keyboard to toggle
the map/player views)

Player

Portrait

Window

Score

Health

Meter

Shield Bar

Weapon

Slot

Item Slot

Key Slot

Dodecus and Calculus
communicate to the
player through this
window

Information

Window

Item Slot

Items you pick up along the way, such as Medikits and Multipliers, can be used later in the
game. You may choose the one you need by pressing the bracket keys: [ or ] on the keyboard.
The small number in the lower-left corner of an Item Slot tells you how many of that item you
have available.

Key Slot

You must find up to four keys on each level to complete your mission. Keys are either red, blue,
green or yellow. When you find a key it will appear in the Key Slot of your game window.

The Information Window

Below the Action Screen, you will see reports from Calculus updating your progress. Here you’ll
find out what weapons and items you’ve picked up and what colour keys you need. And, don’t
be surprised if you get some jeering messages from Dodecus, the leader of the Geometroids. That
guy doesn’t like to lose!

NAVIGATION

Navigate through the game world by using either the Standard Controls (mouse and/or
keyboard) or the Alternate Controls (mouse and/or keyboard). You can switch between the two
control modes by pressing the F5 key.

STANDARD CONTROLS (DEFAULT)

Mouse Controls:

Left Mouse Button
Right Mouse Button
Move Mouse Left
Move Mouse Right
Move Mouse Forward
Move Mouse Backward

Move in direction of cursor

Fire weapon

Rotate to left

Rotate to right

Look down

Look up

Keyboard Controls: (Numeric lock
Numpad 8
Numpad 2
Numpad 4
Numpad 6
Z
X
Alt

Numpad 3
Numpad 9
Numpad 5
S

c

Space

Control

1-7

[

J

Enter

Esc

Tab

must be turned off!)

Move forward

Move backward

Rotate to left

Rotate to right

Slide to left

Slide to right

Accelerate movement

Look down

Look up

Centre the view

Jump up

Crouch down

Activate switch or door

Fire weapon

Switch to weapon 1-7

Switch to previous item

Switch to next item

Use current item

Exit to the Game Options Menu

Toggle Map/Player views

ALTERNATE CONTROLS

(Press F5 to activate)

Mouse Controls:

Right Mouse Button Switch to next weapon

Left Mouse Button Fire weapon

Move Mouse Left Rotate to left

Move Mouse Right Rotate to right

Move Mouse Forward Look down

Move Mouse Backward Look up

Keyboard Controls (Numeric lock must be turned off!)

A

Move forward

Esc

Exit to the Game

Z

Move backward

Options Menu

Left Arrow

Rotate to left

Tab

Toggle Map/Player

Right Arrow Rotate to right
Shift Slide to left

X Slide to right

Alt Accelerate movement

Up Arrow Look down
Down Arrow Look up

S

C

Space

Control

1-7

Enter

Jump up
Crouch down
Activate switch or door
Fire weapon
Switch to weapon 1-7
Switch to previous item
Switch to next item
Use current item

views

Note: In each mode, you can use the mouse
or keyboard commands simultaneously.

OTHER CONTROLS

FI Save or restore game
F2 Reduce game window size
F3 Enlarge game window size
F5 Toggle between standard
and alternate controls
F6 Toggle between high and low
detail modes
F7 Quick save
F8 Quick restore

COMBAT

Geometroids and other enemies (both organic and mechanical) will do whatever they can to
stop you from rescuing the crew and saving the S.S. Pythagoras. When you meet up with any
enemy, shoot first! You may have to switch weapons. Some enemies will block your way and ask
you a maths question. Answer correctly, and you can pass. Give a wrong answer, and the enemy
will attack!

SHOOTING

Place the red crosshair on the enemy and fire! To point your weapon at an enemy by using the
keyboard, move the direction keys. Fire your weapon by pressing the Control key. If you choose
to use the mouse, the direction you are moving in will be indicated by an arrow. Line up the
enemy in the sights of the weapon and shoot it by using the right mouse button. If you have
more than one weapon, you can choose the one you need by hitting the appropriate key
1-7 on the keyboard.

OPENING DOORS

To open doors without locks, move up close to the door and press the spacebar. If the door does
not open, you may need to find the Push Button panel located near the door. Some doors will
not open until you solve a maths problem for Calculus. Other doors are guarded by Sentry
locks. Above the door, you will see the face of the Sentry is coloured either red, blue, yellow or
green. To open the door, you’ve got to find the key that matches the colour of the Sentry’s face.

MATHS QUESTIONS

Calculus may need your help with maths problems at certain times, and will open the Maths
Question Window. The problem will appear in the left-hand corner of the screen. A calculator is
provided for you on the right-hand side. (Use * to multiply, use / to divide, use - to subtract and
use + to add. = will complete the equation, c will clear the screen.) After you input the correct

answer with the calculator (by using the mouse or alpha-numeric keypad), click on “OK” at the
bottom of the Maths Question Window. If you are not sure how to solve the problem, click on
“Hint” and you will receive helpful ideas on how to work through the equation.

TELEPORTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

You teleport to the next level by locating all of the keys, unlocking the key doors and finding
the current mission assignment. Calculus will give you your next mission before you begin on
the new level.

PICKING UP WEAPONS & ITEMS

Since the S.S. Pythagoras was unprepared for the Geometroid invasion, it will be necessary for
you to pick up weapons and items throughout the ship as you fight off these insidious invaders.
You can pick up weapons and items by walking or running over them. The Information
Window will indicate which weapons and items you collected. The last weapon to be picked up
will appear in the Weapon Inventory Slot. Items you can use at any time will appear in the Item
Inventory Slot. To select an item press your bracket keys, then press enter.

To defeat the Geometroids, you need to find items scattered throughout the S.S. Pythagoras.
Items are important because they can increase your Health and Shield Bars, power your
weapons, and increase your ammunition supply. Here’s an inventory of items you want to have
on hand:

Energy Tablets provide a quick pick-up to restore lost health.
Restoral Crystals are an on-the-spot remedy for healing injuries.
Medikits can be used whenever you need a fast medical fix.
Batteries provide the juice necessary to power some weapons.
Energy Belts add power to the Shield Bar.

Liquid Helium Tank is the only source of power for the Freeze Gun.

Plasma Bottles provide the ammo for the Blaster and Xgun.

Emergency Cache are knapsacks full of ammunition, health and energy.

Drainer Fields create a force field that lessens the damage from enemy weapons. They’re only
good for about 30 seconds.

UltraDrainer Fields create a force field that prevents all damage from enemy weapons. This
invincibility lasts for about 30 seconds.

Space Suits protect you from harmful gases and low-level radiation, and produce a Force Shield
that lessens the damage from enemy fire. (Pump up your Shield Bar with Energy Belts for
maximum protection.)

WEAPONS

The Stunner stuns organic life but is useless against robots or mechanical creatures. Once you’ve
picked it up, you can select it by pressing 1 on the row of number keys.

The Destabilizer shoots negative ion bursts that stop robots and mechanical creatures in their
tracks, but organic creatures couldn’t care less. Once acquired, you can select it by pressing 2 on
the row of number keys.

The Freeze Gun puts all enemies on ice by encasing them in super-cooled particles. When the
Freeze Gun runs out of ammunition, you will need a Liquid Helium Tank to replenish it. If you
have the Freeze Gun, select it by pressing 3 on the row of number keys.

The Laser fires blasts of energy that severely damage both organic and robotic enemies. When
you need it, select it by pressing 4 on the row of number keys.

Laser Boosters provide twice the damage against both organic and robotic enemies. If you’re
lucky enough to have one, you can use it by pressing 5 on the row of number keys.

Blasters fire a cloud of accelerated particles that obliterate anyone or anything. If you’ve got one
handy, press 6 on the row of number keys.

Xguns are experimental weapons with frightening blasting power. If you find one, you can access
it by pressing 7 on the row of number keys.

Multipliers double your fun by doubling the number of blasts from your gun. When found,
Multipliers appear in the Item Slot.

KEYS

Key Cards open colour-coded doors. The colour of the key needed is indicated by the colour of
the Sentry on top of the door. Keys come in red, blue, green and yellow and, once picked up,
appear in the Key Inventory Slot.

LEVELS

When you start a new game, the level selector chooses 9 levels out of the 27 levels created: 3
from the S.S. Pythagoras, 3 from the Space Station, and 3 from the planet Metrion.

S.S. Pythagoras

Now that the Geometroids have captured the ship and reprogrammed the robots, it has become a
very dangerous place. You’ll have to make your way through the disabled ship, fighting your way
through docking bays, research labs, crew quarters, storage bays and more as you struggle to
locate and repair the damaged equipment. Once you have finished your task, you’ll be able to
transport yourself over to the Geometroid Space Station where your crew is being held prisoner.

Space Station

This huge alien space station is filled with all manner of evil space monsters, mutants and
cyborgs who will stop at nothing to put an end to your mission. Battle through glowing tunnels,
cryogenic chambers, hyperwarp engine rooms, weapons bays and much more as you search for
and free the kidnapped crew of the S.S. Pythagoras. Once you’ve found all the missing crew
members, it’s time to head down to the surface of Metrion where the evil Geometroids, under
Dodecus, have set up a base to launch their attack on earth.

Metrion

A hostile planet of bubbling lava, radioactive rock and hideous mutated alien monsters. Fight
your way through narrow passages, leap across pools of red-hot molten rock, and make your way
to the heart of the Metrion base, where you’ll face off against the ultimate alien evil - Dodecus
himself!

SAVE A GAME

Hit FI (for save) or F7 for (Quick Save).

CREDITS

RESTORE A GAME

In the game, hit FI (for Restore) or F8 (for
Quick Restore). Out of the game, click on the
“Restore” icon on the Player Options Window.

ESCAPE

You can escape from any game by hitting the
“Esc” button on the keyboard. The game is not
saved but you can get back into it by clicking on
“Continue”.

QUIT A GAME

At the Main Menu, hit the “Quit” icon. In mid-
play, hit “Esc” and then click on the “Quit” icon.
After quitting, you may then uninstall the game
from your computer by clicking on the
“Uninstall” icon in the S.S. Pythagoras file folder.

Educational Content:
Additional Writing:

Level Design:
Software Engineers:

CAPITOL MULTIMEDIA, INC.

Executive Producer: Dale Desharonc

Producer/Designer: Marie Thomas

Scriptwriter: ThomFredcrick-BtUneri]

Music Composed & Performed by: Brian Brodcur,

Rob Christiansen, Tony Trippi
Production Management: Jim Helein, Louis Gudema,

Larissa Shabasheva, Mikhail Baturov
Janine Jetties

Charles Pike, Andy WolfcndonjS
Matt Suglirue
Sasha Aleksandrov
John O'Brien, Mikhail Tchekmarev,
Dima Zhukov

Audio Engineering & Sound Design: Brian Brodcur,

Allen Palmer, Tony Trippi
Voice Characterisations: Calculus - Wendje Sakakeeny

Dodecus-John Davin
Earth Leader - Will Lcbow
Assembly: Sasha Aleksandrov, SashaLcbcdcv, Misha Lincv,

AntonLomakin, Boris Shabashev
Sprite Anists: SashaMyala, Oleg Mihejkitv,

IgorKolomejtsev, Anton Lomakin
Texture Artists: Olga Dyankina, Natasha Fedorova, ■

Misha Saburov, Eugcnij Tyulldn, Anton Lomakin,
Sergey Kurbatov, Nadya Obedkova, Sasha Myala,
Oleg Milrejkin

Special Effects & Intro Animation: Anton Lomakin

Packaging by: Iron Design

WINNING A GAME

If you complete all your level missions, rescue
the crew, and repair the S.S. Pythagoras, you will
achieve total victor)' over the Geometroid
Invasion Force and defeat Dodecus. Don’t
despair! Calculus has full confidence in you and
your abilities.

SIMON & SCHUSTER INTERACTIVE

Vice President/Gcncral Manager: Gilles Dana

Vice Prcsidcnt/Crcativc Director: Jeff Siegel

Producer: Amanda Thornton

Simon & Schuster Interactive: L12 Braswell,

Susanne Cohen, John Crowe, Rob Francese,
Ken Cordon, Dewanda Howard, Dcanne Meek,
Deborah Taverna, Diane Smack,
Peter Von Schlossberg, Rick Stark,
Walter Walker